Postdoctoral Researcher in Built Environment, Planning and Transport

Aalto University School of Engineering, Department of Built Environment invites applications for a

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN BUILT ENVIRONMENT, PLANNING AND TRANSPORT (2 YEARS, FULL-TIME)

Project description

The Spatial Planning and Transport (SPT) research group has a vacancy for a highly talented and motivated candidate to carry out an interdisciplinary postdoctoral research project at the interface between spatial planning, transport and one (or more) of the following themes: (i) real estate economics, land management and property development (ii) water management including issues of flooding, water scarcity, resource vulnerability, eco-hydraulics, water abstraction, distribution and wastewater treatment; and (iii) geoinformatics – the collection, management and analysis of geospatial information. In line with Aalto University’s aim to shape a sustainable future, preference will be given to research proposals that are strongly linked to sustainability issues.

Requirements

The candidate must have high motivation and aptitude for research and must enjoy working in an international and cross-disciplinary group. Applicants should have a doctoral degree (PhD) in urban or regional planning, human geography, environmental policy, public administration, policy science, transport studies or a related subject. Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are essential. Also essential is the ability to work productively and independently. Previous knowledge and experience in the field of spatial planning and/or transport policy is an advantage.

Research environment

The successful applicant will join a team of world-class international researchers at Aalto University, receive extensive postdoctoral training and support, and will be given wide opportunities to participate in scientific conferences and meetings. The postdoctoral researcher will be co-supervised by experienced staff from two of the four research groups in the Department of Built Environment (Spatial Planning and Transport; Real Estate Economics; Water and Environmental Engineering; and Geoinformatics). A decision about the researcher’s supervisors will be made at the start of the project.

Aalto University is a public research university which was established in 2010 after a merger of three major Finnish universities. It is consistently highly ranked in the areas of science, art, technology and business. The University’s main campus is located in Espoo, approximately 15 minutes by metro from the centre of Helsinki. Helsinki is a safe, clean, green capital city with a very high quality of life. Most Finns speak English fluently. More information about living and working in Finland can be found at https://www.aalto.fi/aalto-university/international-staff-information-package .

Salary, terms and conditions

Postdoctoral research funding is available for a period of two years with a mid-term review after one year. The preferred start date is January 2022. The postdoctoral candidate will be expected to present at high-level scientific conferences, publish in leading academic journals, actively participate in the SPT research group, assist in the preparation of new research proposals, and help to advise master’s students during the preparation of their final project.

The salary range, terms and conditions are based on a collective bargaining agreement among Finnish universities. The starting salary for postdoctoral researchers at Aalto University is currently around 3,600€ per month (gross) which may be gradually increased over time according to performance.

How to apply

All applications must include the following materials:

• Motivation letter with the applicant’s contact information and an indication of the preferred starting date (max 1 page)
• Outline of the applicant’s proposed postdoctoral research project, including an overview of related research in the field, important academic theories/debates, research hypotheses/questions, research methods, data sources, and analytical approaches (max 5 pages)
• CV including details of all academic outputs and contact information for 2 persons who may be contacted to provide a character reference (max 3 pages)
• Summary of the applicant’s doctoral thesis (max 1 page)
• Copy of the applicant’s doctoral degree certificate

All materials should be submitted in English in a single pdf-file (compiled in the order specified above). The application should be submitted through our online eRecruitment system (‘Apply’) before 30 September 2021. Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. Aalto University reserves the right to leave the position open, extend the application period and consider candidates who have not applied during the application period.

Further information

Further information about working at Aalto University can be found at https://www.aalto.fi/aalto-university/international-staff-information-package . Content-related questions about the vacancy may be directed via email to Riku Vahala (Head of Department) while recruitment-related questions may be directed to Kirsi Kärkkäinen (HR Coordinator) using the email format <[email protected] >.

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